In the last couple of decades Catholic parishes have conducted Christianized “Seder” suppers. These “Seders” are not true Seders, of course, since they usually include Catholic prayers and symbols. However, they serve a couple of great catechetical purposes. The ceremony brings home the story in the Old Testament of the Jews flight from Egyptian captivity in Moses’ time. It also helps Catholics understand how Jews today celebrate that important event in their history.

One of the things served at every Seder is matzah, the bread of affliction, unleavened because the fleeing Hebrews had no time to wait for their bread to rise before they left for the Promised Land. And at Passover, not just any matzah will do. Seders require shmurah matzah, made from wheat that has been carefully grown and processed.

2 Responses to Passover is around the corner — that means it’s matzah time

I hope this helps all catholics (and others too) to realize, we are jews first and christians after Christ. Our churches are exactly as the jewish temples as Moses built from the orders of our Lord. Jewish converts to catholism say they feel so much at home because the altar is exactly the same, candles, linens, vestments etc..